Migori County is set to benefit from enhanced maternal and child healthcare services following a renewed partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund.
The development follows a high-level courtesy visit by a UNICEF delegation to Governor Ochillo Ayacko, where both parties reaffirmed their commitment to improving health outcomes and tackling key social challenges affecting the county.
UNICEF Kenya Representative Shaheen Nilofer said the agency will continue to collaborate with Migori to support transformative development in the health sector.
“We will continue to partner and engage with Migori County to support transformative development in the health sector,” said Dr Nilofer.
She noted that the visit aimed at assessing ongoing interventions and identifying areas where UNICEF can scale up support, particularly in maternal and child health, water and sanitation, and public health emergency response systems.
“The health sector is key in addressing challenges such as maternal health for the well-being of children and women,” she added.
Dr Nilofer emphasised that strengthening collaboration will help tackle the “triple threat” of new HIV infections among adolescents and young people, adolescent pregnancies, and gender-based violence, while also improving preparedness for public health emergencies.
“We will always support county governments on critical indicators to enable them to take the lead on public health and the well-being of society,” she said.
Migori Woman Representative Fatuma Mohamed, who accompanied the delegation, said the strengthened partnership will help address persistent health and social challenges in the county.
“Strengthening collaboration on key social and health challenges will help reduce maternal deaths, address the triple threat, and combat harmful practices such as Female Genital Mutilation,” she said.
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Fatuma added that plans are underway, in partnership with UNICEF and the county government, to establish a rescue centre for survivors of gender-based violence and FGM in Nyatike Sub-County.
Governor Ayacko welcomed the continued partnership, describing UNICEF as a key ally in advancing healthcare and social protection programmes.
“UNICEF has been a steadfast partner in our shared mission to combat Female Genital Mutilation, Gender-Based Violence, early pregnancies, and to enhance maternal and child health services across the country. Their commitment to improving the lives of our citizens, particularly women and children, has been invaluable,” said Ayacko.
He noted that the county has made progress in strengthening healthcare systems, including capacity building for community health promoters and medical personnel.
“We have also embarked on constructing maternal and newborn units in Level Four hospitals, an initiative that will require additional support in terms of equipment, staffing, and essential medical supplies,” he added.
The renewed partnership is expected to accelerate progress in improving healthcare delivery and safeguarding the well-being of women and children across Migori County.
By Kimutai Langat
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